United Scrap Metal offers recycling solutions guided by decades of experience and a firm commitment to doing the right thing. We are passionate about making a positive difference for our customers, consumers, and communities.
We Operate United
Established in 1978, United Scrap Metal has grown from $200 and a rental truck to one of the largest full-service recyclers in the country.
1978
United Scrap Metal Founded by Marsha Serlin with $200 and a Rental Truck
1994
Successfully Implemented Statewide “Single Source” Utility Recycling Program in Illinois
1996
Recipient of the Small Business Administration (SBA) National Subcontractor of the Year Award
2000
Expanded Utility Prescence in the Midwest via Implementation of Multiple Large-scale Programs
2004
Won 1st Aurubis Outstanding Supplier Award
Established National Strategic Alliance with large Aluminum Distributor
2005
Won Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Created Formal Partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities
2009
Won Crain’s Chicago Fast 50 Award – Four Consecutive Years
2011
Brad Serlin Wins Boys Scouts of America Good Scout Award
Won Alcoa Preferred Scrap Supplier Award – Four Consecutive Years
2012
RSM Lifetime Manufacturing Achievement Award
2015
Won Olin Corporation Top Scrap Supplier Award
2016
Jodi Keller Wins Manufacturing Institute Step Ahead Award
Marsha Serlin Wins Platts Global Award CEO of the Year
2017
Exelon Diverse Supplier of the Year Award
2018
ISRI Safety Excellence & Superior Transportation Fleet Awards
2019
EHS Today America’s Safest Place to Work
Platts Global Metals Award Scrap & Recycling Industry Leadership – Two Consecutive Years
2020
Certified as a Great Place To Work
VIA SPARK Award Recipients – Four Consecutive Years
COSE Occupational Award Recipient
2021
DLI Governors Award for Safety Excellence
Won National Private Truck Council (NPTC) Gold Seal Award
United we believe in creating innovative solutions that improve lives, foster stronger communities, and inspire positive change
At United Scrap Metal (USM), we are dedicated to fostering a culture of business diversity both within our organization and in the communities we serve. Internally, we embrace individuals from all backgrounds, ensuring that every voice is heard, valued, and respected. We recognize that a diverse workforce brings a wealth of perspectives that drives innovation, teamwork, and enhances decision-making.
Externally, we are committed to building meaningful relationships with our customers, partners, and key stakeholders by promoting inclusive practices in all aspects of our business. USM strives to meet the diverse needs of the people we serve by ensuring our products, services, and communications are accessible and representative of our communities.
Our mission is making a positive impact in the lives of others. Business diversity is central to achieving this objective. By embracing numerous perspectives and creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute. Together, we believe in creating innovative solutions that improve lives, foster stronger communities, and inspire positive change.
We are proud to be a WBENC Certified Women-Owned Business.
United Scrap Metal will help you fulfill your supplier diversity requirements. Leveraging our status as a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) will enable you to achieve your target procurement levels.
100% of United Scrap Metal’s purchase of recycled materials is applicable towards your diversity spend goal.
We know that supplier diversity is about increasing opportunities. If your business would like to be considered as a supplier or if you have questions or need information about United Scrap Metal’s commitment to Business Diversity, please reach out to diversity@unitedscrap.com
We are invested in our communities with our hearts and our hands.
We operate with a commitment to integrity and a dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others – it’s part of our company DNA. Exemplifying our core value of service, we are dedicated to helping with charitable endeavors in youth leadership, local sports, arts & education, and sustainability.
We focus on building authentic partnerships within our communities through philanthropic donations and volunteer work and are proud to support over 100 local and national non-profit organizations. including Ronald McDonald House Charities, Special Olympics, United Way, American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity and Make a Wish Foundation.
Our longstanding relationship with Ronald McDonald House Charities across our footprint exemplifies our commitment to our communities. Together, through our recycling and fundraising initiatives, we have raised millions of dollars to provide a ‘home away from home’ for families of hospitalized children.
Read more about our partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities.
United Scrap Metal and Ronald McDonald House Charities: A Great Partnership
“From the moment we were introduced to United Scrap Metal, they have been a proactive partner of RMHC. Not only do they serve as a trusted partner for our recycling program, but they lend their support in strategic management through board service, event support, sponsorships, and overall advocacy. I can honestly say that RMHC is better off today because United Scrap Metal walks hand-in-hand with us as we support the families of sick and injured children.” – RMHC
We have spearheaded a number of unique initiatives over the years to support the important work RMHC does every day – and we’ve engaged our customers, vendors, and consumers along the way.
Our Recycling Rebate Program provides an opportunity for our customers to donate a percentage of their overall recycling revenue to help RMHC on an ongoing basis.
For years, we have facilitated and distributed necessary material for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana’s annual Pop Tab Recycling Program, recycling more than 400,000 pop tabs since the start of the program.
The Recycle for Ronald Event is an annual, family-friendly event held at our facility that brings together customers, families, and members of the surrounding community. A portion of all recycling from the day, as well as donations from customers and attendees, goes to RMHC-CNI. Over the years, we have raised over $2,000,000, accounting for approximately 30,000 nights that families are able to stay at a Ronald McDonald House location.
Across our footprint, our facilities support Ronald McDonald House Charities Telethons, where all funds raised benefit families staying at RMHC facilities in the corresponding regions.
We lend our support wherever we can, whether through participation on fundraising boards or project committees, co-chairing annual galas or coordinating trips to local facilities to assist in cooking or cleaning for the children and their families.
Earth Day 2021 Parks & Rec Clean Up in Cicero, Illinois.
Meet the organizations we support:
